Arthur Dunn Cup celebration dinner held

7 Dec 2007

The Arthur Dunn Cup triumph was celebrated in style at the Oriental Club, London W1 on Thursday 6th September 2007. The Harrow Association, via Jeremy Lloyd-Jones hosted this prestigious event, which was well supported by the Dunn squad, OHAFC Vice-Presidents, distinguished former Club Captains and other Officers including the School’s Chairman of Governors, Peter Siddons. The impressive surroundings of the Oriental Club, together with excellent food and service, provided a fitting arena in which to relive an outstanding achievement by the old boys of, until recently, a school where Association Football had not been granted major sport status. The magnificent 1902 five tier silver trophy was displayed prominently throughout the evening.

The dinner was chaired by Harrow Association Chairman John Batting, who welcomed those present and congratulated the Club on its historic victory before introducing the Head Master, himself an OHAFC Vice-President, to propose a toast to the Club. Mr Lennon explained that “soccer” was now firmly established at Harrow, the boys were being coached by professionals and the future for OHAFC, therefore, was bright in terms of continued prosperity. The magnificent all-weather pitch, for which OHAFC members had raised the necessary funds, was used extensively.

Replying on behalf of the Club, 1st XI Captain, Quentin Baker, Moretons 1989(3), thanked the Association for its generous hospitality and his team for their commitment and determination throughout the Dunn campaign, in particular the Hon Secretary, Paul Molloy, The Park 1991(3), who scored the only goal in the final, the ball having been measured initially to have been struck from 25 yards but some four months later a distance of 45 yards was being suggested – at least by Mr Molloy! Mr Baker also thanked Peter Beckwith for his highly valued support in recent seasons which have seen the Club make significant progress at all levels. There followed a few impromptu words from the President, Fred Woolley who reminisced on the Club’s Dunn results between 1903 and 2007 before proposing a toast to Mr Baker and allowing the assembled company to finish off the burgundy and concentrate on the port.